Medical Assistant Salary in California
Medical Assistants in California earn an average of $49,309 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$49,309
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.71
per hour
vs National
+17.4%
$42,000 national
Salary Range
$32,294
to $71,627
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$49,309
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$34,725
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Medical Assistant's salary of $49,309 has the purchasing power of $34,725 in an average-cost area.
Medical Assistant Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $58,167 | $27.96/hr | $38,357 | $83,682 | 1,092 |
| San Jose, CA | $57,238 | $27.52/hr | $36,312 | $80,115 | 957 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $47,854 | $23.01/hr | $32,278 | $70,065 | 1,058 |
| San Diego, CA | $46,798 | $22.50/hr | $31,549 | $68,570 | 782 |
| Sacramento, CA | $43,192 | $20.77/hr | $27,937 | $64,497 | 596 |
| Riverside, CA | $42,602 | $20.48/hr | $27,329 | $62,833 | 634 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Medical Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 5,119 Medical Assistants employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Medical Assistant Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$32,294
Starting salary for new Medical Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$49,309
Mid-career Medical Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$71,627
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$98,407 vs Medical Assistant
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$60,280 vs Medical Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$56,259 vs Medical Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
+$21,312 vs Medical Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$5,159 vs Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Medical Assistant salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Medical Assistant Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Medical Assistant salary in California?
The average Medical Assistant salary in California is $49,309 per year ($23.71/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.4% above the national average of $42,000.
What is the highest paying city for Medical Assistants in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Medical Assistants in California, with a median salary of $58,167 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $42,602.
What is the salary range for Medical Assistants in California?
Medical Assistant salaries in California range from $32,294 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $71,627 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $49,309 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.